Counselling and mental health

[rivian]

I posted this in the mental health section, but thought I might as well ask some fellow teachers. I need some advice.

I've been struggling with depression and anxiety (diagnosed as mixed general anxiety and depressive disorder in 2017) for around 4 years. I've had CBT three times, once face to face and twice over the phone. I hated it both times, and the second and third time asked for counselling, but was told I wouldn't benefit. My therapist the third time was also useless and just kept saying. 'Sure, I understand. Hmm'. I wanted to self refer again, but struggle to get appointments. I'm a teacher (obviously) and can't leave school every week for a medical appointment; once every so often is fine. I also have this problem with a regular appointment I have for acne medication at the hospital. (Something I can only get from a hospital pharmacy and need to have a monthly pregnancy test to be allowed to pick up my next month). It's all getting a bit much and I feel stuck.

Anyone got any advice?

Can you afford to pay for it yourself? I pay £45 per session, now fortnightly. It means I was able to choose a counsellor I liked, who suited me, with a longer term focus.
CBT never helped me either, but this counselling (nearly 2 years now) is really changing my life, my family’s life and my approach to work. It has made me a better teacher and leader too.

Sending💐 to you. Can you reduce your hours or get out of teaching at all? It's quite persisting with a counselor that might be able to help with work related stress and self care. Do your school buy into a counseling service at all. With work related stress they have some responsibility. You don't mention other stressors. Have you a family/partner? If you have kids how old? What additional responsibilities have you at work?